Identity Doubts

There are many enemies of faith. Doubt is the nemesis, and accusations, distractions, forgetfulness, lies and falsehoods work on doubt’s behalf.

For most of us, our faith probably has less difficulty holding on to the teaching about God’s character and the gospel. We don’t doubt that God is in control, that God is holy, or that Jesus is God in flesh and rose again from the dead. Amen.

We probably struggle more in believing the word of the Lord about our salvation. We doubt the privileges and the promises that He says are ours. This is one reason Paul says, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3 ESV). Watch out for identity doubts.

The passage in 2 Corinthians 13 is often used to exhort self-examination. And it does use that language. But ironically, it’s meant as a rhetorical question to stimulate faith. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

At the Lord’s Table the Lord reminds us who we are. We are believers. We are children. We are His. We are us (not just me). We are welcome.

For what it’s worth, learn from the Father’s example around your own tables (and car rides and such). Remind your people about their identity. Use your authority not just to tell them what to do, but use your authority to tell them who they are.